“Rasheed has been teaching me some things that I need to know on the block; some veteran leadership from him,” Smith said. “He has been able to show me some things. It’s always beneficial when you have a veteran guy who has played in the NBA and been successful and now they’re coaches. They can see things from a player’s and a coach’s standpoint.”

“He’s helped a lot with my back to the basket now, just getting comfortable with it,” Drummond said. “I have to be able to step out and take a 15-foot jump shot.”

Detroit has what should be one of the best front lines in the NBA — Smith, Drummond and Greg Monroe. While offensive spacing will be interesting (‘Sheed can help with that), Detroit has the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.